A Tivy High School graduate who lived by four words: Be kind; Share Christ®.
"Doodlebug"
Kenli Riney
From heartbreak to heroes.
July 25, 2021
We lost Kenli in a car accident.
Mike Argote and two other men were able to get Kenli out of the car before she burned.
Mike and his daughter, Ema (who was only 14 years old), attempted CPR.
Ultimately, Ema held Kenli's hand and prayed her into Heaven.
October 11, 2021
The Kenli Foundation was officially established as a 501(c)(3) with the IRS.
2023-2024
The Kenli Foundation awarded 7 $1,000 scholarships!
2024-2025
The Kenli Foundation awarded 14 $1,000 scholarships!
2025-2026
The Kenli Foundation awarded 20 $1,000 scholarships!
2026-2027
The Kenli Foundation awarded 22 $1,000 scholarships!
2022-2023
The Kenli Foundation awarded the first 4 $1,000 scholarships!
The Heroes who inspired us!
The Kenli Foundation is rooted in tragedy, yet it is imbued with a spirit of resilience, hope, and a commitment to honor the legacy of our beloved daughter, Kenli Riney.
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On July 25, 2021, our lives were forever changed when we lost Kenli, affectionately known as "Doodlebug", in a tragic car accident. However, amidst the darkness of that fateful day, there emerged rays of light in the form of the Argote family. Their selfless and heroic actions not only saved Kenli from further harm but also embodied the very essence of kindness and compassion that Kenli lived by.
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Mike, Shannon, and their daughter Ema exemplified what it means to be true heroes. Their brave efforts to rescue Kenli from the burning car, their attempts to revive her, and their heartfelt prayers are etched in our hearts forever. In that moment of despair, they extended a lifeline of hope and humanity, embodying Kenli's own motto: "Be kind; share Christ®".
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It is this spirit of kindness, courage, and selflessness that drives The Kenli Foundation. Our mission, inspired by Kenli's legacy and the actions of the Argote family, is to recognize and reward individuals who exhibit heroic acts or make a positive impact on their communities. Through scholarships, we aim to support these heroes as they pursue their dreams and continue to spread kindness and compassion in the world.
Be kind; Share Christ®
Be kind; Share Christ® Kenli's motto is the heart of everything we do. Every nominee tells us how they are being kind and sharing Christ, and our recipients carry that forward in their schools and communities.
The people behind the foundation
Marjohn Riney
Founder & President
Marjohn founded The Kenli Foundation in 2021 to honor Kenli Riney's legacy, and has since helped award 67 scholarships recognizing courage and compassion. Her 20+ year healthcare career spans clinical operations, physician network leadership, and financial planning. A Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives and Certified Medical Compliance Officer, she also teaches as a PMI instructor and owns Images of Him Photography.
Alyce Parish
Board Secretary
Kenli's proud grandmother, Alyce Holtzinger Parish loved her dearly and keeps her sparkle alive by serving the foundation that bears her name. A cornerstone of the regional mobile home industry for nearly four decades, she and her husband, Buddy, co-owned successful dealerships before selling to Clayton Homes. Now retired in Kerrville after many years in Abilene, she gives her time and heart to every scholarship recipient.
Shelby Balser
Board Member
As principal of Tivy High School, Shelby Balser watched Kenli walk the halls and cross the stage at graduation, and she serves the foundation to honor the student she knew. A Kerrville ISD educator for more than 25 years, Shelby began at Tivy as a coach and teacher before becoming principal, and now serves as KISD's Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Human Resources.
Kevin Riney
Co-Founder & Vice President
Kevin co-founded The Kenli Foundation with Marjohn in 2021 in memory of their daughter, Kenli, and works to live out her legacy: be kind; share Christ®. Over 25 years, he has built a career in safety, risk management, and operations, leading programs that protected hundreds of employees across Texas. A Texas Tech alumnus and former OSHA instructor, he brings that same care for people to every scholarship.
Todd Parish
Board Member
Kenli's uncle, Todd Edward Parish loved her fiercely and proudly supports the foundation that carries on her legacy. Following more than 30 years with American Airlines, he is enjoying retirement in Kerrville after spending most of his life in the DFW metroplex. He is the proud father of Tristen, Keaton, and Olivia, and is happily married to Missy (Wills) Parish.
Mellissa Zales
Board Member
Mellissa Zales came to know and love Kenli through her son, Layne, who was Kenli's boyfriend, and she serves the foundation to honor her memory. A longtime Kerrville professional, Mellissa has built her career in real estate, title, and banking, including more than a decade in the title industry and her current work with a local bank.
Michelle LeCates
Treasurer
Michelle has known Kenli since the day she was born and serves as Treasurer of The Kenli Foundation, overseeing its financial stewardship. As Senior Vice President at July Business Services, she brings nearly 30 years of retirement industry experience and holds QPA, QKC, and QKA credentials. Based in Round Rock, she's an early riser, runner, avid reader, and devoted Texas Tech fan.
Missy Parish
Board Member
Though Missy Parish never met Kenli, she has grown to love her through the stories she's heard and the people who knew her, and she honors Kenli's memory by serving the foundation. A retired school teacher, Missy spent more than 20 years in Colorado classrooms. She is the proud mother of Jordan and Reagan, and is happily married to Todd Parish.
Tim Clark
Board Member
Tim Clark met Kenli while working alongside Marjohn in healthcare, and he serves the foundation to help carry her legacy forward. With nearly two decades in healthcare, Tim has grown from health unit coordinator to primary care practice manager, and he holds a bachelor's degree in healthcare management and an MBA in healthcare administration.
The Kenli Foundation Advisory Council
Jeremy LeCates
Advisory Council Member
Jeremy LeCates has known Kenli since the day she was born, and he serves on the Advisory Council to help expand the foundation's reach and impact. A global technology leader for more than three decades in sales and program management, he holds a marketing degree from St. Edward's University. Jeremy is a devoted husband, a father of two daughters, and a competitive NPC Men's Physique athlete.